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Updated: July 29, 2010, 1:20 PM ET
Mankins missed as Pats camp opens
By Chris Forsberg
ESPNBoston.com
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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Vince Wilfork understands the situation Logan Mankins finds himself in at the start of New England Patriots training camp. But he's not picking sides.
As expected, Mankins, a restricted free agent who has yet to sign the Patriots' one-year tender offer, was not present for the opening day of training camp Thursday at Gillette Stadium. Mankins is seeking a long-term contract and, with the sides unable to come to agreement during the offseason, he demanded a trade in June.
Mankins
"I've been there and it's a tough for him, a tough one," said Wilfork, who sat out portions of last year's voluntary minicamp to express his displeasure in not having a contract extension, but was present for the first day of training camp. Wilfork played out the final year of his contract and signed a five-year extension this offseason.
"We miss him out here. Like I said, I back him 110 percent. He's the best offensive guard out there. I see this guy every day. I see his work, the type of person he is. But business is business and you have to respect both sides. I'll leave it at that. He's a great athlete, a great player, but business is business and you have to let business take care of itself."
Asked about Mankins before the morning session, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said only: "All of the players that are here are under contract, and Logan is not under contract."
Mankins hadn't missed a practice since being plugged in at left guard on the first day of training camp in 2005. The two-time Pro Bowler was replaced among the starters by Nick Kaczur Thursday, but his absence resonated with teammates.
"I stay out of all that stuff," said left tackle Matt Light. "Every guy has gone through a contract situation, whether it's coming in and signing as a rookie or being a guy that's going into your second or third contract. We've all faced it and we know that it's part of the game. It's unfortunate. The only thing I'll say to that situation is he's a great teammate and he's always been a great teammate. He's a guy who's never missed a game and we definitely miss not having him out here."
Five Patriots players missed Thursday's morning session: wide receivers Sam Aiken, Darnell Jenkins, and Wes Welker, defensive lineman Ron Brace, and outside linebacker Derrick Burgess.
Burgess, a nine-year veteran, is contemplating retirement, sources told ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli on Thursday.
Welker, not in uniform, participated in strength and conditioning work on his own, while Aiken, Jenkins, and Brace were all spotted on the sideline in sweats.
Mankins missed as Pats camp opens
By Chris Forsberg
ESPNBoston.com
Archive
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Vince Wilfork understands the situation Logan Mankins finds himself in at the start of New England Patriots training camp. But he's not picking sides.
As expected, Mankins, a restricted free agent who has yet to sign the Patriots' one-year tender offer, was not present for the opening day of training camp Thursday at Gillette Stadium. Mankins is seeking a long-term contract and, with the sides unable to come to agreement during the offseason, he demanded a trade in June.
Mankins
"I've been there and it's a tough for him, a tough one," said Wilfork, who sat out portions of last year's voluntary minicamp to express his displeasure in not having a contract extension, but was present for the first day of training camp. Wilfork played out the final year of his contract and signed a five-year extension this offseason.
"We miss him out here. Like I said, I back him 110 percent. He's the best offensive guard out there. I see this guy every day. I see his work, the type of person he is. But business is business and you have to respect both sides. I'll leave it at that. He's a great athlete, a great player, but business is business and you have to let business take care of itself."
Asked about Mankins before the morning session, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said only: "All of the players that are here are under contract, and Logan is not under contract."
Mankins hadn't missed a practice since being plugged in at left guard on the first day of training camp in 2005. The two-time Pro Bowler was replaced among the starters by Nick Kaczur Thursday, but his absence resonated with teammates.
"I stay out of all that stuff," said left tackle Matt Light. "Every guy has gone through a contract situation, whether it's coming in and signing as a rookie or being a guy that's going into your second or third contract. We've all faced it and we know that it's part of the game. It's unfortunate. The only thing I'll say to that situation is he's a great teammate and he's always been a great teammate. He's a guy who's never missed a game and we definitely miss not having him out here."
Five Patriots players missed Thursday's morning session: wide receivers Sam Aiken, Darnell Jenkins, and Wes Welker, defensive lineman Ron Brace, and outside linebacker Derrick Burgess.
Burgess, a nine-year veteran, is contemplating retirement, sources told ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli on Thursday.
Welker, not in uniform, participated in strength and conditioning work on his own, while Aiken, Jenkins, and Brace were all spotted on the sideline in sweats.